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Velvet Hammer

Imperial Red Ale

9%ABV

85IBU

year-round-beer

A tribute to our favorite Brewmaster, Greg Matthews, the Velvet Hammer appears as a dark, ruby reddish-brown ale beneath a sheath of protective off-white foam. It is malt-forward with elements of caramel and the sweetness of light brown sugar, balanced nicely by a combination of floral hops and a noticeable alcohol bite. It’s a sturdy brew with a smooth character which belies both an inner strength and a slightly full body, along with a moderate bitterness to round out the taste.

Velvet Hammer took on a life of its own shortly after the inaugural brew on December 30, 2011. Google Velvet Hammer song and you’ll find the tune penned and performed by Tony Drewry and his friends. The Hammer has been used as the name for a motorcycle and pool cue, was used as an ingredient to produce soap, and got married on our one year anniversary (long story).

In the end, this beer is all about balance. It does not come across as a hoppy beeer, nor malty one. It straddles the fence between the two.

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2014 U.S. OPEN Beer Championship – Imperial Red Ale

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2015 U.S. OPEN Beer Championship – American Amber / Red

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2015 U.S. OPEN Beer Championship – Imperial Red Ale

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2013 U.S. OPEN Beer Championship – American Amber / Red

“Whether you're sweating it out on a hot patio in August, throwing down on a spicy batch of crawfish in February or just looking for a beer with a little punch, Peticolas' Velvet Hammer is a solid choice. A 9 percent ABV imperial red ale with no shortage of hops, it's got it all: a malty, caramel base with just enough hoppy bite. It's hard to find a beer that goes down smooth in both winter weather and surface-of-the-sun heat, but Peticolas nailed it with Velvet Hammer.” (Read Article)

Dallas Observer (Dallas Observer)

“Arguably the most recognizable local brew, the Velvet Hammer hits like a sledge, with a high ABV and bold flavors.” (Read Article)

Scott Reitz (Dallas Observer)

“This reddish brown ale is a big beer, balanced and complex, with caramel and a hint of brown sugar.” (Read Article)

David Hopkins (D Magazine)

“Velvet Hammer is a balanced, rich and floral brew with a creamy head, and it's best local beer I've tried in a while.” (Read Article)

Scott Reitz (Dallas Observer)

“It tastes smooth like velvet, but it hits you like a hammer.” (Read Article)

Dan Oko (Texas Monthly)

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